Accountant III (Financials)

Open Date: October 21, 2024

Close Date: Open Until Filled - First review will take place November 4, 2024

Job Title: Accountant III - Financial

Recruitment Description:
The City of Ellensburg Finance Department has a vacancy for an Accountant III (Financials).

We are looking for a self-motivated individual to contribute to the success of the Finance Department by performing all the duties and responsibilities in an accurate, efficient, and self-oriented manner.

This position works independently under the general supervision of the Finance Director or their designee. This position will assist in providing technical guidance to City employees across all departments; provide leadership and direction to maintain and improve customer service and departmental efficiency; assist with administration of the accounting processes of the Finance Department; perform complex accounting and financial analysis and review functions requiring a high degree of professional judgment; monitor City, State, and Federal legislation and communicate new policies to staff and the general public; provide additional accounting support through a variety of responsibilities and special projects as assigned by the Finance Director.

- Supervise all functions of accounting and accounts payable/receivable.
- Manage bond revenue, expenditures, and arbitrage to ensure compliance.
- Prepare and manage the debt service fund budgets.
- Serve as the City's Audit Officer to ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
- Serve as the City's point of contact with the State Auditor's Office; ensure files and transaction records are maintained so information is available and/or meets the needs of the City and the Auditors.
- Audit and balance all City financial transactions including, but not limited to, journal entries, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, utility billings, grant tracking, investments, and other accounting processes; ensure data is documented, completed accurately, and timely.
- Implement and enforce internal fiscal controls and procedures for all City offices; ensure compliance with all GASB reporting and accounting requirements, as well as compliance for grants and State/Federal funding.
- Maintain knowledge of issues affecting administration of accounts payable, treasury function, inventory, and fixed assets; provide oversight of daily duties of accounting division, and cross training of division personnel to accomplish continuous operations.
- Prepare and/or oversee the preparation of various financial statements and reports to comply with Federal, State, County, and City requirements; prepare monthly financial reports for the Finance Director; make recommendations to departments based on analyzed data.
- Provide assistance and training to staff members in the use of accounting software systems; research solutions to problems encountered; coordinate with software vendors' support team and/or network administrator as required.
- Provide leadership role in preparing and filing the Annual Financial Reports.
- Maintain journals, ledgers, and other complex financial records; establish the total financial status of various funds and reconcile discrepancies; coordinate corrections to the general ledger; develop and maintain the City's chart of accounts.
- Provide input in development of financial policies and procedures; recommend and implement policy changes as needed; gather, interpret, and prepare data for surveys, reports, and questionnaires.
- Exercise independent judgment in analyzing problems, issues, and situations to make fiscal determinations; solve problems that arise; assist with implementation of recommendations; prepare financial and cash flow analysis to provide sound financial decision making.
- Oversee fixed asset inventory by preparing year end schedules; verify inventory count; review fixed asset descriptions; maintain fixed asset depreciation schedules; coordinate with departments for annual fixed asset monitoring.

Other duties may be assigned.

This is a representative sample--not to imply a complete listing of responsibilities and tasks.

This position may supervise Accounting Specialists, Accountant II, and other staff assigned by the Assistant Finance Director.

This is a full-time, benefited position. Benefits include medical, dental, life, and disability insurance; Retirement under the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and vacation, sick leave, exempt leave, holidays, and employee choice days.

Salary: $8,263- $9,348/ month (FLSA Exempt) plus excellent benefits

Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree from a four (4) year college or university with emphasis in accounting.
- Five (5) years of position-related experience.
- Three (3) years of supervisory experience.

Please Note: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of some of the requirements above, as determined by Management.

Preferred Knowledge and/or Experience:
- One (1) or more years of experience as an Accountant II
- Experience with BARS and GASB
- Bilingual English/Spanish

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
- Valid State Driver's License or ability to obtain one by time of hire; must maintain an insurable driving record.
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be bondable. Applicants must agree to a credit check and be in good credit standing with no debts currently assigned to collections, and a credit history that reflects no pattern of instability. The applicant must not have a pending garnishment or judgment which may cause undue hardship while employed with this agency, with the exception of child support. The hiring authority shall review the applicant's credit history and determine eligibility for employment on a case-by-case basis. Prior to hire, the candidate is required to pass a background check.

To apply for this position and view a complete job posting including detailed duties, responsibilities, and qualifications please visit the employment section of our website at www.ci.ellensburg.wa.us. This position is Open Until Filled - First Review will be November 4, 2024. EOE